The pilot, conducted between March and July 2017, showcased numerous leading-edge features including a working definition of innovative medicines and opportunities to submit dossiers on a drug’s clinical and economic information. In all, agreements (including both approved indications and prices) were successfully reached between China’s government and the pharmaceutical companies for 36 of the 44 medicines on the initial list. These 36 medicines treat important disease states such as hematology, cardiology, oncology, immunology, neurology, and Chinese traditional medicines for cancer therapy.

“This pilot of negotiations for innovative drugs has been successful, resulting in the inclusion of innovative medicines in the China National Formulary, thus benefiting patients in China,” said author Jiu-Hong Wu, PhD, PharmD, 306 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China. “The positive outcomes suggest a promising direction for future development. However, there are other key issues to consider for improvement of patient access under the China National Formulary. More pilots can be expected before the evaluation system becomes finalized.”

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